Seeds

Looking at the biblical idea of the quickening of a spiritually dead soul, I began to see similarities in that of germinating seeds. I have always been interested in watching seeds sprout up form soil. There is something so exhilarating about seeing the first seeds come out after planting. I think it is our witnessing the beginning of life that is so captivating. Seeds must first put off their old flesh in order to put on a new body. The new body does not look like the old one. As the seed springs forth form the ground it may be encumbered by the old husk of its former body. It is only through the growth of the seed from inside or the removal by the gardener that the seed will escape the old shell. In the same way we must leave this old husk behind and be regenerated form within. As we grow in Christ our old self is done away with. Christ himself illustrated this idea with a similar analogy relating his death to that of a seed. "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” In dying he was raised and bore many offspring in saving those whom he died for.

Spheres

Mortification

“There are lessons to be learned from simple things like the life cycle of a tree. I have observed throughout the years how trees self prune. When a limb becomes unproductive, it falls allowing more growth for the productive limbs. This continues until the tree has lost all its limbs and eventually falls to the ground. Even in falling the tree gives back to its environment. Seeds produced and cast off years, decades, and even centuries before benefit from the parent tree. The area where the parent tree once stood now provides these younger trees light and an opening into which they can grow.

As we grow larger as a country, city, company, or even personally, unproductive elements should be removed; however, we find ourselves dealing with various predicaments. Often we find it difficult to properly evaluate productivity and after removing elements we waste them by discarding them completely. Careful discernment should be exercised first as to what is being removed and then as to how. Care should be taken when deciding what is to be done with the elements displaced. Various elements of culture help to make a well rounded society that enjoys life, builds culture, and leaves a legacy for the future generations. How are we pruning and nurturing our environment? It is an important thought to ponder.”